A group from the people of Imamate has affirmed the superiority of the Imams عليهم السلام from the Family of Muhammad صلى الله عليه و آله over the entirety of whoever preceded from the messengers and the prophets – save for our prophet, Muhammad صلى الله عليه و آله. And a group from them has obligated superiority for them over all of the prophets save for the Ulu ‘l-`Azhm from them عليهم السلام (Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, `Isa and Muhammad عليهم السلام). And another group from them has refused either of the two doctrines, and affirmed the superiority of all of the prophets over the entirety of the Imams عليهم السلام.

Regarding this chapter, the intellects have neither an affirmation for it nor a barring from it in scope, and there is no consensus (ijma`) regarding any one of the doctrines. Traditions have come from the Prophet صلى الله عليه و آله regarding Amir al-Mu’mineen عليه السلام and his offspring from the Imams, and also reports from the Truthful Imams afterwards, and places in the Quran which strengthens resolution upon what the first group has said in this meaning, and I am considering it. And by Allah I find refuge from misguidance.